Re: According To The Lord’s Own Word. Isaiah 26:19-21, appears to be speaking to the dead only. Would these Isaiah passages coincide with Matthew 27:52-54?

The asst. Pastor in the church that I attend, knowing of my interest in prophecy, recently tried to debunk this interest by quoting Acts 1:6-8 and saying that there were more important things to understand than prophecy, and sermonized for an hour regarding these verses, implying that prophecy was unimportant. I would appreciate it if you would clarify this.

I was hoping you could clarify something for me. Specifically, I know I am saved because of what I believe. That being said, when Jesus talks about being a disciple, he talks about leaving family, friends, and everything behind to follow him. I understand he was talking about those around him at the time yet at the same time, we are challenged to become a disciple. Is there a difference between being saved and being a disciple?

I’ve often wondered to what degree the Lord will direct our steps. I’ve felt guidance on specific spiritual matters. But on matters of a secular nature, I’ve often felt alone. Is this to be expected? Do you have any thoughts on the matter?

It is my understanding that Jesus commissioned his Disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Yet Peter only briefly spent time with some Gentiles then retreated to Jerusalem and hedged back to Old Covenant works based rituals. Paul, not an original disciple took up the commission, yet even he sometimes got off on works and when he returned to Jerusalem also agreed to participate in Old Covenant rituals. I’ve read one commentator who states it does not matter if Paul did this out of fear of the Jews or sympathy, in doing so, he was betraying his believe in the all sufficiency of Christ’s death and resurrection. As I read the New Testament with this in mind, it seems this was much bigger than I thought.

Do you think the church of Laodicea is infiltrating the church of Philadelphia today?

Re: Rev. 5. When scripture says Satan was cast down, with his angels from Heaven to earth because he wanted to be as God; when, how and why did God give Satan the earth as a gift for being so wonderful?

You know the story. God had forsaken Saul, so he went to the witch at Endor, and she summoned Samuel for him…or did she? When you read the story in 1 Samuel 28:16-19, it happened just like the prophet said. Saul and his three sons joined Samuel in death. The Lord also delivered Israel and its army to the Philistines, (1 Sam. 31:1-70.) Can you explain all this?

Did a witch summon Samuel? If it was a devil that was impersonating Samuel, is there some way we can prove the devil’s predictions were not exactly right? after all, it says in 28:20, Saul was troubled by the words of Samuel, as if it really was Samuel he was talking to.

Why does Samuel appear as an old man? Shouldn’t he be a little more youthful looking in the spirit realm? And why is the story of David and the Amalekites placed between the story of the witch and Saul’s death?

When you use anointing oil, can you anoint yourself and pray, and still be as effective as if someone else does it for you. I can understand where the “when two or more agree” might be in this issue, but can anointing be made personal, just between you and God?

As I was searching through a popular website I came across an article that addresses tithing. The author said that tithing pertained to the Jewish nation, not the New Covenant Church. He states a rather long list of supporting scripture, but I wanted your view on this.